Breast implant surgery has been safely performed to increase the size and fullness of the breasts thousands of times at the Straith Clinic since its founding. Straith surgeons are known across the United States for their skill level and for their attention to patient care in this very personal surgery. After an initial consultation, the choice of final breast size depends on a number of factors including the amount of breast tissue available, the patient's body proportions, the judgment of the implant surgeon, and the patient’s preference. Uneven breast sizes may also be improved by the use of different volumes in each implant. This breast implant enlargement procedure can boost self-confidence by improving the balance of your figure and restoring breast size and projection that has been caused by weight loss, pregnancy, and/or the aging process.

During the breast implant surgery, an incision is made in the fold of the skin below the breast, in the axilla, or the edge of the areola. A surgical "pocket" is constructed either under the breast tissue (subglandular) or under the pectoralis major muscle (submuscular). The implants are placed into this "pocket" and the small incisions are sutured closed. Placement of the breast implants through the navel is not approved by the breast implant manufacturers.

In the fall of 2006, after rigorous review of data collected over 10 years, the FDA approved silicone gel breast implants for cosmetic breast enlargement. Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel and saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt (saline) water. Currently, both silicone and saline breast implants in a variety of shapes are utilized at the Straith Clinic. Our breast implant surgeons will discuss with you the advantages and disadvantages among saline implants, traditional gel silicone, and the next generation of silicone - cohesive gel implants, also known as gummy bear implants. A free consultation with a breast enlargement surgeon will help you make an informed decision that will be both safe and effective while also giving you a natural result.

What to expect from the breast implant surgery:

• Anesthesia: Usually local with IV sedation
• Length of surgery: 1 to 2 hours.
• In/Outpatient: Generally out-patient in our breast implants surgery center or in a hospital setting.
• Recovery: Back to work: few days. Physical contact with breasts: 3 to 4 weeks. More strenuous activity: 3 to 6 weeks.
• Duration of Results: Variable - Implants may require removal or replacement years after initial placement.

Frequently asked questions about breast enlargement surgery:

Q1: Can I breast feed?

Since the implant is placed underneath the breast tissue, it does not interfere with breast-feeding. This should be discussed further with your surgeon.

Q2: What happens in the breast implant postoperative period?

A soft wireless, full support brassiere (cotton stretch) may be prescribed as tolerated by the patient or instructed by the surgeon. There may be some swelling and discoloration of the breasts for a few days. A sense of fullness and tightness will be present for a few weeks. Some numbness of the nipple and operative areas may be experienced. The intensity and duration of these conditions vary with each individual.

Since a breast implant is a foreign substance, the body surrounds it with scar tissue. Generally, the scar tissue is thin. In some patients the scar tissue becomes thick, contracts, and changes the shape and softness of the breast. Your breast enlargement surgeon will discuss this with you at the time of your consultation.

Q3: When are the sutures removed?

All sutures are usually removed by the seventh day by your breast enlargement surgeon.

Q4: When can I take a shower?

A shower can generally be taken the day after breast augmentation surgery. The healing process may cause your surgeon to change these instructions.

Q5: When can I resume my social activities?

Normally, full social and employment activities can be resumed three to ten days after breast implant surgery. Excessive use of the arms must be restricted for at least five to seven days. You may drive a car with an automatic shift and power steering after one week. Strenuous exercise and activities should be restricted for two to four weeks. Body contact sports should be avoided for six to eight weeks. The healing process may cause the length of time to vary.

The Straith Clinic is one of the most well-established and respected Michigan breast implant surgery centers. Our breast augmentation surgeons conduct the surgery using only the safest and most modernized surgical techniques to ensure that neither the patient’s comfort nor their existing appearance is compromised negatively. Because patients are now offered a choice of the type of breast implant they wish to receive – saline, gel silicone or gummy bear cohesive gel - a consultation with a surgeon greatly assists in deciding which kind will fit best. Any prospective patient considering breast implant surgery must remember that out of the many plastic and cosmetic surgery centers in southeastern Michigan or Detroit area, breast enlargement surgery has been perfected by the surgeons of the Straith Clinic.

Call us today at 800-401-1212 for your free consultation with our breast implant surgeons.